“Our Unite STEM boot camps are designed to help prepare the next generation for the future. Through teamwork and collaboration, we encourage creativity, nontraditional thinking, flexibility, and curiosity. Our Unite STEM program promotes in-depth analysis of the world and aims to equip students with lifelong effective problem-solving skills.”
~Unite Medical Student Michael Charles
Unite Scholars with teachers and administrators at the Konsalt Pre & Primary School in Dar es Salaam in August 2023.
Over this summer holiday, a number of our Unite scholars designed and executed the first three of a series of STEM (science, technology, engineering & mathematics) “boot camps” reaching more than 560 students (ages 8 to 14) at the Sakapella Community Center and the Elite Dignity and Konsalt primary schools in Dar es Salaam to provide much-needed beyond-the-traditional classroom programming.
Our Unite Scholars' boot camp covers such hands-on lessons as the “rocket balloon,” which involves using vinegar, baking powder, a bottle, and a balloon to teach the effects of pressure; “the states of matter,” which involves using a bottle, bottle top, nail, and a match stick to demonstrate how to collect carbon dioxide gas inside a bottle; and “projector making,” which involves using a cardboard box, a convex magnifying lens, a smartphone, razor blade, and tape to make projectors. Additional lessons include the making and study of air coolers and floatation devices, math exercises, and IQ test games. Our Unite Scholars also spend time talking to students about their dreams for the future and sharing their own stories of overcoming odds, obstacles, and challenges to succeed in and out of the classroom.
Click here to see our Unite Scholars & teammates in action.
“In Unite STEM boot camps, we want our students to feel free to try new things. Ours is a risk-free environment in which we embrace mistakes.”
~Unite University Scholar John John Mashimba, lead coordinator of the Unite STEM Education Program.
Unite Scholar John John Mashimba invites students to conduct their own experiments in front of the assembly.
Unite Scholar Michael Charles teaches students about mathematics and provides them with “tricks” to assist with their studies, understanding, and retention.
Unite Form 5 Scholar Mercy Chacha teaches students about air pressure and surface tension using a bottle, water, and tissue paper.
Unite Scholars Omary Mbwana, John John Mashimba and Michael Charles with students at the Elite Dignity Primary School in Tanzania.